THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF AFRICAN NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans) IN BROMATE-INDUCED SPLEEN AND CARDIAC TISSUE TOXICITIES USING MALE WISTAR ALBINO RATS

This study was aimed at investigating the toxic effects of potassium bromate on the spleen and heart of Wistar albino rat and to evaluate the protective effects of aqueous extract of African nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) against potassium bromate induced toxicity in the two organs. Twenty-four (24) male wistar albino rats weighing between 180g and 200g were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group I animals were served with rat feed and water as the control group, group II were administered daily with 30mg/kg bw potassium bromate while groups III and IV animals were administered with 0.5mL of 20% and 40% aqueous extracts of nutmeg seed in addition with 30mg/kg body weight potassium bromate respectively for two weeks. The animals were kept at optimum temperature within a 12 hours light/dark cycle while the experiment lasted. Enzyme biomarkers such as Aspartate Transaminase, Alanine Transaminase, Alkaline Phosphatase; antioxidant enzymes such as, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase; reduced Glutathione; some lipid profiles like Cholesterol, Triglyceride and malondialdehyde were measured in the spleen and heart homogenates of the animals in all the groups. Results of this study showed that potassium bromate exerted significant (P < 0.05) toxic effects on the spleen and heart homogenates while the administration of aqueous extracts of African nutmeg seed caused a marked reversal in the toxicity in a dose dependent manner. However, the results of this study showed that aqueous extract of the seed of African nutmeg is a potential antioxidant against potassium bromate toxicity in the two organs.    Keywords: Toxicity, Potassium bromate, Myristica fragrans, Cardiac tissue, Antioxidan